Harvey regaining strength in the Gulf

As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center has found that the tropical wave, formerly known as Harvey, has restrengthened. This storm takes on the same name as it had previously.

Harvey is located in the southern Gulf of Mexico, where the water temperatures are very warm, and conditions will be favorable for continued strengthening. The path of Harvey will generally be to the north-northwest, at a relatively slow rate of speed. Strengthening to a tropical storm is likely later today, and Harvey could become a hurricane Friday afternoon.

Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches have been issued for parts of the Texas coastline. Tropical Storm Watches are in place for portions of the coastline of NE Mexico as well. Harvey should reach the Texas coastline by late Friday.

Rough surf, storm surge of four to six feet, and locally heavy rain will be concerns for parts of the coastline. Rainfall amounts of 10-15 inches, with a few areas seeing as much as 20 inches, will be possible for parts of the middle and upper Texas coast and southwest Louisiana.

Anyone with travel or cruise plans in the western Gulf of Mexico, or travel plans to coastal Texas or western Louisiana, in the next week or so, should monitor development of this system closely.